Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me shock the Deputy by agreeing with him on something because I think he is entirely right about the issue of churches. I take religious freedom very seriously. I also take the health and safety of people very seriously. The pandemic is real and has taken more than 2,000 lives on this island so far. Let us try to strike a note of harmony. The pandemic is real but people's faith is important. We must find a way for common sense to prevail. Some churches and cathedrals are large and I expect guidance tomorrow from NPHET on how we can safely open them.

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